Blue Origin postpones its second New Glenn launch; the next attempt is slated for November 12.

Due to meteorological concerns, some minor launch pad equipment malfunctions, and a cruise ship inadvertently entering the flight path, Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin postponed the second launch of its New Glenn mega-rocket, initially slated for Sunday afternoon.

The company announced late Sunday that it would attempt New Glenn’s second mission again on Wednesday, November 12. Following the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) announcement of space launch restrictions late last week due to the government shutdown, Blue Origin stated in an X post on Sunday that it collaborated with the FAA to facilitate the second attempt. The launch window will be open from 2:50 p.m. ET to 4:17 p.m. ET.

This mission holds significant importance for Blue Origin for several reasons.

Firstly, the company remains focused on demonstrating the rocket’s complete reusability. Although New Glenn successfully achieved orbit during its initial launch in January, the booster detonated before it could land on a drone ship at sea. During this second flight, Blue Origin aims to successfully land the booster for the first time.

Moreover, this marks New Glenn’s inaugural commercial mission. The rocket is set to transport NASA’s ESCAPADE spacecraft into space for its Martian mission. New Glenn will also carry a technology demonstrator for Viasat, as part of another NASA initiative. Proving New Glenn’s capability to safely deliver payloads to space – while maintaining cost-effectiveness largely through the rocket’s reusability – is vital if Blue Origin intends to rival Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

Blue Origin initially intended to attempt the second launch earlier in the year but faced several postponements. On Sunday, the launch window in Cape Canaveral, Florida, originally opened at 2:45 p.m. ET, providing the company with roughly 90 minutes. Weather-related concerns and issues with launch pad equipment caused the launch time to be adjusted a few times.

According to the broadcast, a cruise ship entered the flight path with the clock ticking down just minutes before a launch attempt. While the ship was expected to clear the area before the launch window closed at 4:15 p.m. ET, persistent weather concerns ultimately led the company to postpone the attempt.